Cynthia L. Broadfoot, Esq.

Cynthia began the firm, now known as Broadfoot, in 1997. She has been in private practice in Vermont since 1989, working with other attorneys for years before opening her own law firm. Cynthia has practiced law in Vermont for almost 24 years. Prior to establishing her own law firm, Cynthia worked with several Burlington area attorneys.

Cynthia has been widely recognized for her extensive work in the family courts and in personal injury claims. While her practice focuses primarily on personal injury and family law cases, Cynthia has been involved in many different types of cases. She has defended individuals in serious criminal matters. While Cynthia’s courtroom experience is concentrated in the trial courts, she has also argued several times before the Vermont Supreme Court and before the United States District Court.

Cynthia has worked as an advocate for individuals helping people attain access to the legal system. Her experience includes work within the Chittenden County Public Defense system as assigned counsel in family and district court proceedings. In 2003, Cynthia received the Vermont Bar Association’s Pro Bono Service Award in recognition of her extensive pro bono work. In addition to her membership in the Vermont Bar Assocation, Cynthia is also admitted to New York and New Hampshire’s Bar Associations. She has actively participated in numerous national, state, and local professional organizations. Currently, Cynthia serves on the board of governors for the Vermont Association for Justice and is a faculty participant in the trial college and CLE programs designed to train lawyers in courtroom skills. Cynthia is co-author of Divorce in Vermont, a helpful handbook on the issues involved in family court proceedings.

Deborah M. Ryan, ESQ.

Deborah
began work with the firm in 2002 as a paralegal and in 2007, she
began the Vermont Law Office Study program. In this four year
program, Deborah studied under Attorney Cynthia Broadfoot to prepare
to take the Vermont Bar Exam. In 2012, Deborah passed the Vermont
Bar Exam and on October 25, 2012, Deborah was sworn in as a member of
the Vermont Bar.

Prior
to her work with the firm, Deborah spent 15 years working in finance.
During this time she obtained her MBA at the University of Vermont.
Her background in finance and business combined with her training in
law make her well suited to provide
settlement and litigation support in complex and high asset family
court and civil cases. Her practice also includes residential real
estate transactions and wills and estate planning.

Deborah
lives in Georgia, Vermont. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys reading
and riding her Morgan horse Damien in dressage and jumping. Damien
prefers jumping.

Rick M. Martelli, Medical Paralegal

Rick began work at Broadfoot as a medical paralegal in 2006, following many years of experience in various physical therapy positions. His experience spans numerous sectors of the health care field, ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. He is well versed in interpreting diagnoses and summarizing treatment plans for diseases and injuries impacting clients at all stages of recovery.

Rick’s work at Broadfoot focuses primarily on personal injury claims. He acts as a liaison in coordinating information between medical professionals and clients, helping to provide the basis for clear legal arguments in different types of injury claims. Rick has also assisted in preparing cases in which health issues impact an individual’s rights in family court matters.

Rick enjoys keeping physically fit and educating others about healthy living, longevity, and healing. In his free time, he plays guitar and tends to his vegetable garden. He enjoys helping family and friends with carpentry projects on the weekends, but if the weather is warm, you’ll catch Rick out riding his Harley.

Education

University of Vermont (B.S., Physical Therapy, Cum Laude, 1998)

Honors & Awards

Isola Braun Award

Memberships

APTA—American Physical Therapy AssociationAmerican LegionVFW

Jenifer Keser, Legal Assistant

Jenifer joined Broadfoot in 2007. She is a graduate of Champlain College with an associate’s degree in business management. She works as a legal assistant in family court cases and personal injury claims arising out of automobile accidents.

Jenifer began working in the legal field following several years of work in marketing positions. Her marketing and communications skills prepared her for working with clients facing legal challenges.